Fiber optic connectors, fiber optic adapters and related fiber optic connection systems

ABSTRACT

The present disclosure relates to a fiber optic adapter having a footprint/form factor compatible with an SC adapter mounting structure or an LC adapter mounting structure or both the SC and LC adapter mounting structures. The adapter body may include first and second co-axially aligned connector ports for respectively receiving first and second fiber optic connectors. The fiber optic adapter may also include a fiber alignment structure configured to accommodate at least 12 optical fibers (e.g., 12 non-ferrulized optical fibers) for each of the first and second connector ports. Another aspect of the present disclosure relates to a fiber optic adapter with linearly moveable, spring biased shutters. A further aspect of the present disclosure relates to a ferrule-less fiber optic connector that may include a telescopic shroud and a safety lock for locking the shroud in a fiber protecting position. A further aspect of the present disclosure relates to a ferrule-less fiber optic connector with a spring-biased fiber holder.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is being filed on Aug. 22, 2019 as a PCT InternationalPatent Application and claims the benefit of U.S. Patent ApplicationSer. No. 62/724,356, filed on Aug. 29, 2018, the disclosure of which isincorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to fiber optic connectioncomponents such as fiber optic connectors and fiber optic adapters. Moreparticularly, the present disclosure relates to ferrule-less fiber opticconnection components.

BACKGROUND

Fiber optic communication systems are becoming prevalent in part becauseservice providers want to deliver high bandwidth communicationcapabilities (e.g., data and voice) to customers. Fiber opticcommunication systems employ a network of fiber optic cables to transmitlarge volumes of data and voice signals over relatively long distances.Optical fiber connectors are an important part of most fiber opticcommunication systems. Fiber optic connectors allow two optical fibersto be quickly and demateably optically connected without requiring asplice. Fiber optic connectors can be used to optically interconnect twolengths of optical fiber. Fiber optic connectors can also be used tointerconnect lengths of optical fiber to passive and active equipment.

A typical fiber optic connector includes a ferrule assembly supported ata distal end of a connector housing. A spring is used to bias theferrule assembly in a distal direction relative to the connectorhousing. The ferrule functions to support an end portion of at least oneoptical fiber (in the case of a multi-fiber ferrule, the ends ofmultiple fibers are supported). The ferrule has a distal end face atwhich a polished end of the optical fiber is located. When two fiberoptic connectors are interconnected, the distal end faces of theferrules abut one another and the ferrules are forced proximallyrelative to their respective connector housings against the bias oftheir respective springs. With the fiber optic connectors connected,their respective optical fibers are coaxially aligned such that the endfaces of the optical fibers directly oppose one another. In this way, anoptical signal can be transmitted from optical fiber to optical fiberthrough the aligned end faces of the optical fibers. For many fiberoptic connector styles (LC, SC, MPO), alignment between two fiber opticconnectors is provided through the use of an intermediate fiber opticadapter. Example LC and SC fiber optic connectors and fiber opticadapters are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,142,676; 7,182,524 and8,636,425, which are hereby incorporated by reference in theirentireties.

Another type of fiber optic connector can be referred to as aferrule-less fiber optic connector. In a ferrule-less fiber opticconnector, an end portion of an optical fiber corresponding to theferrule-less fiber optic connector is not supported by a ferrule.Instead, the end portion of the optical fiber is a free end portion.Similar to the ferruled connectors described above, fiber optic adapterscan be used to assist in optically coupling together two ferrule-lessfiber optic connectors. Fiber optical adapters for ferrule-lessconnectors can include internal fiber alignment devices configured toreceive bare optical fibers of ferrule-less fiber optic connectorsdesired to be optically coupled together and to align the fiber tips ofthe fiber optic connectors to enable the transfer of optical signalsthere between. Example ferrule-less fiber optic connectors and/or fiberoptic adapters are disclosed by PCT Publication Nos. WO 2012/112344; WO2013/117598; WO 2017/081306; WO 2016/100384; WO 2016/043922; and U.S.Pat. Nos. 8,870,466 and 9,575,272.

SUMMARY

One aspect of the present disclosure relates to a fiber optic adapterthat may include an adapter body that has an adapter footprint (e.g.,form factor) that is backward compatible with a conventional SC adaptermounting structure or a conventional LC adapter mounting structure orboth the SC and LC adapter mounting structures. The adapter body mayinclude first and second co-axially aligned connector ports forrespectively receiving first and second fiber optic connectors. Thefiber optic adapter may also include a fiber alignment structureconfigured to accommodate at least twelve optical fibers (e.g.,non-ferrulized optical fibers) for each of the first and secondconnector ports. In one example, the adapter body footprint iscompatible with a duplex LC mounting structure. In another example, theadapter body footprint is compatible with a simplex SC mountingstructure. In certain examples, the fiber alignment structure can beconfigured to accommodate at least one, two, four, eight, sixteen,twenty-four, thirty-two or more optical fibers for each of the first andsecond connector ports. In certain examples, the fiber optic adapterutilizes ferrule-less fiber alignment technology.

Another aspect of the present disclosure relates to a fiber opticadapter with linearly movable, spring biased shutters. In certainexamples, the fiber optic adapter utilizes ferrule-less fiber alignmenttechnology. In certain examples, the fiber optic adapter contains indexmatching gel.

Another aspect of the present disclosure relates to a fiber opticadapter that may include an adapter body that has first and secondco-axially aligned connector ports for respectively receiving first andsecond fiber optic connectors. The first and second connector ports areco-axially aligned along an adapter axis.

The fiber optic adapter may also include a fiber alignment structureconfigured to accommodate at least one optical fiber for each of thefirst and second connector ports. Preferably, the fiber alignmentstructure is configured to accommodate a plurality of optical fibers foreach of the first and second connector ports. Preferably, the fiberalignment structure utilizes alignment technology for aligningnon-ferrulized optical fibers.

In certain examples, the fiber optic adapter may include first andsecond shutters respectively corresponding to the first and secondconnector ports. The first and second shutters are individually linearlymovable relative to the adapter body between closed positions and openpositions. The first and second shutters cover a fiber receivingstructure of the fiber alignment structure when in the closed positions,and allow fiber access to the fiber receiving structure when in the openpositions.

The fiber optic adapter may also include a spring structure for biasingthe first and second shutters toward the closed positions.

Another aspect of the present disclosure relates to a ferrule-less fiberoptic connector that may include a telescopic shroud and a safety lockfor locking the shroud in a fiber protecting position. It will beappreciated that the telescopic shroud is telescopically movable betweenthe fiber protecting position where bare optical fibers of theferrule-less fiber optic connector are recessed within the shroud, and aretracted position where the bare optical fibers protrude outwardly fromthe shroud. In certain examples, the safety lock can be pivotallymovable between a locking position and a release position. In certainexamples, the safety lock is carried with the telescopic shroud. Incertain examples, a spring is used to bias the telescopic shroud towardthe fiber protecting position and is also used to bias the safety locktoward a locking position.

A further aspect of the present disclosure relates to a fiber opticconnector that may include an inner connector body that has a lengththat extends along a connector axis between a first end and a second endof the inner connector body.

The fiber optic connector may also include at least one optical fiberthat extends through the length of the inner connector body. Preferably,the fiber optic connector includes at least one or a plurality ofoptical fibers. Preferably, the fiber optic connector is a ferrule-lessfiber optic connector. It is preferred for the at least one opticalfiber to have an end portion that extends axially outwardly from thefirst end of the inner connector body.

The fiber optic connector may also include a fiber shroud thattelescopically mounts at the first end of the inner connector body. Thefiber shroud is telescopically movable along the connector axis relativeto the inner connector body between an extended position in which theend portion of the at least one optical fiber is recessed and protectedwithin the fiber shroud and a retracted position in which the endportion of the at least one optical fiber protrudes axially outwardlybeyond the fiber shroud.

The fiber optic connector may also include a pivotal lock that pivotsabout a pivot axis between a locking position in which the fiber shroudis locked in the extended position relative to the inner connector bodyand a release position in which the fiber shroud can be moved from theextended position to the retracted position relative to the innerconnector body.

Another aspect of the present disclosure relates to a ferrule-less fiberoptic connector with a spring-biased optical fiber holder. In certainexamples, at least one optical fiber, or preferably a plurality ofoptical fibers, are secured to the optical fiber holder. In certainexamples, the one or more optical fibers can be secured to the fiberholder by means such as a bonding material such as epoxy or otheradhesive, clamping, fastening, crimping or other means. In certainexamples, the optical fiber holder does not include structure forallowing the one or more optical fibers to buckle within the fiberholder. In certain examples, the fiber holder is axially movablerelative to an outer connector body and is forwardly biased by a springrelative to the connector body.

A further aspect of the present disclosure relates to a fiber opticconnector that may include an inner connector body that has a lengththat extends along a connector axis between a front end and a rear endof the inner connector body.

The fiber optic connector may also include at least one optical fiberthat extends through the length of the inner connector body. In apreferred example, the fiber optic connector may include a plurality ofoptical fibers. The at least one optical fiber has a non-ferrulized endportion that extends forwardly from the front end of the inner connectorbody. The at least one optical fiber is secured within the innerconnector body.

The fiber optic connector may also include an outer connector bodymounted over the inner connector body. The outer connector body mayinclude structure for securing the fiber optic connector within a portof a fiber optic adapter. The inner connector body is movable along theconnector axis relative to the outer connector body. In a preferredexample, a spring biases the inner connector body in a forward directionrelative to the outer connector body.

A variety of additional aspects will be set forth in the descriptionthat follows. The aspects can relate to individual features and tocombinations of features. It is to be understood that both the forgoinggeneral description and the following detailed description are exemplaryand explanatory only and are not restrictive of the broad inventiveconcepts upon which the examples described herein are based.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute apart of the specification, illustrate aspects of the present disclosureand together with the description, serve to explain the principles ofthe disclosure. A brief description of the drawings is as follows:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a fiber optic connection system inaccordance with the principles of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view cut longitudinally through the fiberoptic connection system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 depicts an example fiber alignment structure that can be utilizedin the fiber optic connection system of FIG. 1 for co-axially aligningnon-ferrulized optical fibers of ferrule-less fiber optic connectors ofthe fiber optic connection system;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a front end of one of the fiberoptic connectors of the fiber optic connection system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view cut longitudinally through the fiberoptic connector of FIG. 4 showing a shroud of the fiber optic connectorin an extended position;

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing the fiber optic connector ofFIG. 5 with the shroud in a retracted position;

FIG. 7 is a bottom view of the fiber optic connector of FIG. 4;

FIG. 8 is a top, cross-sectional view showing a shroud safety-lockconfiguration utilized by the fiber optic connection systems of FIG. 1;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing one of the safety locks of FIG. 8in isolation from the remainder of the system;

FIG. 10 is another longitudinal cross-sectional view through the fiberoptic connector of FIG. 4;

FIG. 11 is an exploded view showing a spring-biasing arrangement forforwardly biasing a fiber holder of the fiber optic connector of FIG. 4;

FIG. 12 is an enlarged side view of the spring-biasing arrangement ofFIG. 11;

FIG. 13 is an exploded view of the fiber optic connector of FIG. 4;

FIG. 14 is a perspective view showing another optical fiber alignmentstructure suitable for use with the fiber connection system of FIG. 1,the optical fiber alignment system is adapted for co-axially aligning aplurality of ferrule-less (e.g., bare) optical fibers corresponding tomulti-fiber, ferrule-less fiber optic connectors;

FIG. 15 is a perspective view depicting another fiber optic connectionsystem in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure;

FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view cut longitudinally through a first setof co-axial connector ports of the fiber optic alignment system of FIG.15;

FIG. 17 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view cut through a second setof coaxial connector ports of the fiber optic connection system of FIG.15;

FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view cut longitudinally through the secondset of co-axially aligned connector ports of the fiber optic adapter ofthe fiber optic connection system of FIG. 15 with both of the connectorports being shown vacant;

FIG. 19 is a perspective view of the fiber optic adapter of the fiberoptic connection system of FIG. 15;

FIG. 20 is an exploded view of the fiber optic adapter of FIG. 19;

FIG. 21 is a perspective view showing a front end of one of the fiberoptic connectors of the fiber optic connection system of FIG. 15;

FIG. 22 is a top, side, rear perspective view of the fiber opticconnector of FIG. 21;

FIG. 23 is a bottom perspective view of the fiber optic connector ofFIG. 21;

FIG. 24 shows the fiber optic connector of FIG. 21 with a dust capmounted over the front end of the fiber optic connector;

FIG. 25 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the fiber opticconnector of FIG. 24;

FIG. 26 shows an example spring-biasing arrangement for forwardlybiasing a fiber holder of the fiber optic connector of FIG. 21;

FIG. 27 s another view of the forward biasing arrangement of FIG. 26;and

FIG. 28 is an exploded view of the fiber optic connector of FIG. 24.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate a fiber optic connection system 20 inaccordance with the principles of the present disclosure. The fiberoptic connection system 20 includes a fiber optic adapter 22 configuredfor coaxially aligning and optically connecting together two sets offirst and second fiber optic connectors 24 a, 24 b. It is preferred forthe fiber optic connection system 20 to have a relatively high opticalfiber connection density (e.g., optical circuit density). In thisregard, it is preferred for the fiber optic connection system 20 toinclude ferrule-less optical fiber alignment technology. Exampleferrule-less optical fiber alignment technology is disclosed byInternational Application No. PCT/US2017/064671, which is herebyincorporated by reference in its entirety. To enhance the opticalconnection density of the system, it is also preferred for the fiberoptic connectors 24 a, 24 b to be multi-fiber optical connectors. Incertain examples, each of the fiber optic connectors 24 a, 24 b caninclude at least twelve optical fibers, or at least sixteen opticalfibers, or at least twenty-four optical fibers, or at least thirty-twooptical fibers.

In certain examples, the fiber optic adapter 22 has an adapter footprint(e.g., an adapter form factor, an adapter outer shape, an adapter size,an adapter outer profile, etc.) that is backward compatible with aconventional SC adapter mounting structure, or a conventional LC adaptermounting structure, or both the SC and LC adapter mounting structures.It will be appreciated that an SC adapter mounting structure is astructure such as a wall, panel, frame, sliding adapter pack, or likecomponent defining an opening, slot or other receptacle for receiving aconventional SC fiber optic adapter (e.g., a simplex SC fiber opticadapter or a duplex SC fiber optic adapter). An LC adapter mountingstructure is a structure such as a wall, panel, frame, sliding adapterpack, or like component defining an opening, slot or other receptaclefor receiving a conventional LC adapter such as a simplex LC fiber opticadapter or a duplex LC fiber optic adapter. As depicted, the fiber opticadapter 22 is backward compatible with both a simplex SC adaptermounting structure and a duplex LC adapter mounting structure. Asdepicted, the fiber optic adapter 22 includes a mounting flange 23 and amounting clip 25 configured to allow the adapter 22 to be secured withinan adapter mounting opening defined by a panel.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the fiber optic adapter 22 includes anadapter body 26 having a duplex configuration including two sets offirst and second coaxially aligned connector ports 28 a, 28 b. Each setof connector ports 28 a, 28 b is adapted to receive a corresponding setof the first and second fiber optic connectors 24 a, 24 b. The fiberoptic adapter 22 also includes a fiber alignment structure 30 positionedbetween each set of the first and second connector ports 28 a, 28 b. Incertain examples, the fiber alignment structures 30 are each configuredto accommodate at least twelve optical fibers for each of the first andsecond connector ports 28 a, 28 b. The fiber alignment structures 30 canbe configured to co-axially align non-ferrulized optical fiberscorresponding to the fiber optic connectors 24 a, 24 b. In certainexamples, fiber alignment structures in accordance with the principlesof the present disclosure can be configured to accommodate multi-fiberoptical connectors having a row of non-ferrulized optical fibers havinga center-to-center spacing less than 260 microns, or generally about 250microns. By accommodating a center-to-center fiber spacing of about 250microns, each fiber alignment structure 30 can accommodate a row oftwelve optical fibers while concurrently allowing the fiber opticadapter 22 to maintain a LC adapter form factor. It will be appreciatedthat a 250 micron center-to-center spacing corresponds generally to astandard spacing utilized by a fiber ribbon having optical fibers withcoating diameters of about 250 microns. By using a center-to-centerspacing smaller than 250 microns, it is possible to accommodate morethan twelve fibers in a single row and still satisfy the requirementthat the adapter be backward compatible with a conventional LC adaptermounting structure. For example, by using a center-to-center spacing ofless than 210 microns, or about 200 microns, it is possible toaccommodate a single row of sixteen optical fibers in a fiber opticalalignment device while still maintaining backward compatibility with aconventional LC adapter mounting structure. It will be appreciated thatoptical fibers having outer coating diameters of about 200 microns canbe utilized to facilitate providing the 200 micron center-to-centerspacing.

FIG. 3 depicts one example configuration for the fiber alignmentstructure 30. The depicted fiber alignment structure 30 of FIG. 3includes a first piece (e.g., an alignment piece 32; a groove-definingpiece; etc.) defining a plurality of parallel alignment grooves 34. Inone example, alignment grooves 34 can include twelve parallel alignmentgrooves having a center-to-center spacing of about 250 microns. Incertain examples, the alignment grooves 34 can include V-grooves. Incertain examples, each of the alignment grooves 34 can be configured toreceive one optical fiber from the first fiber optic connector 24 a andanother optical fiber from the second fiber optic connector 24 b suchthat the received optical fibers abut one another within the alignmentgrooves 34 and are co-axially aligned. In preferred examples, indexmatching gel can be provided within the alignment grooves 34 to provideenhanced optical connections and to provide cleaning of the opticalfibers as needed. In certain examples, the alignment grooves 34 can bereferred to as fiber receiving structures or like terms. The fiberalignment structure 30 further includes a second piece (e.g., a coverpiece 36) that mounts adjacent to the alignment piece 32 and covers opensides of the alignment grooves 34. When the cover piece 36 and thealignment piece 32 are mounted together, the pieces 32, 36 cooperate todefine rigid passages (e.g., rigid sized grooves, rigid sized openings,rigid sized fiber receivers) in which the optical fibers of the fiberoptic connectors 24 a, 24 b are received and co-axially aligned. It willbe appreciated that two of the fiber alignment structures 30 are mountedwithin the fiber optic adapter 22, with each of the fiber alignmentstructures 30 corresponding to one of the two sets of fiber opticconnector ports 28 a, 28 b.

In certain examples, the adapter body 26 includes a main body definingthe first and second connector ports 28 a, 28 b. Each set of first andsecond connector ports 28 a, 28 b is coaxially aligned along an adapteraxis 39 (see FIG. 8). The main body also defines first and second fixedlatch catches 38 a, 38 b (see FIG. 1) respectively corresponding to thefirst and second connector ports 24 a, 24 b. The first and second fixedlatch catches 38 a, 38 b are configured for engaging cantilever latchesof the first and second fiber optic connectors 24 a, 24 b for retainingthe first and second fiber optic connectors 24 a, 24 b within theirrespective first and second connector ports 28 a, 28 b.

Referring to FIG. 2, the fiber optic adapter 22 includes first andsecond shutters 40 a, 40 b respectively corresponding to the first andsecond connector ports 28 a, 28 b of each set of first and secondconnector ports 28 a, 28 b. The first and second shutters 40 a, 40 b areindividually linearly movable relative to the adapter body 26 betweenclosed positions and open positions (see FIG. 2). The first and secondshutters 40 a, 40 b cover the fiber receiving structures of the fiberalignment structures 30 when in the closed positions. In the example ofFIG. 2, the shutters 40 a, 40 b are slid downwardly to block access tothe fiber alignment structures 30 when in the closed positions. Thefiber alignment structures 30 are positioned axially between the firstand second shutters 40 a, 40 b. When the first and second shutters 40 a,40 b are in the open positions, fiber access is allowed with respect tothe fiber receiving portions of the alignment pieces 32. For example,when the first and second shutters 40 a, 40 b are open, non-ferrulizedoptical fibers corresponding to the first and second fiber opticconnectors 24 a, 24 b are permitted to extend past the shutters 40 a, 40b and into the alignment grooves 34 of the fiber alignment structures30.

In certain examples, the first and second shutters 40 a, 40 b arelinearly movable along reference planes 42 that are perpendicularrelative to the adapter axes 39 In certain examples, a spring structureis used for biasing the first and second shutters 40 a, 40 b toward theclosed positions. In certain examples, the spring structure can includeseparate coil springs 44 a, 44 b corresponding to each of the first andsecond shutters 40 a, 40 b. In certain examples, the fiber optic adapter22 can include structure for causing the shutters 40 a, 40 b to movefrom the closed positions to the open positions when fiber opticconnectors are inserted within the respective connector ports 28 a, 28b. For example, the first and second shutters 40 a, 40 b can includeramps 46 that are engaged by the front ends of the fiber opticconnectors 24 a, 24 b when the fiber optic connectors 24 a, 24 b areinserted within their respective connector ports 28 a, 28 b. When thefiber optic connectors 24 a, 24 b are inserted into the connector ports28 a, 28 b, contact between the front ends of the connectors 28 a, 28 band the ramps 46 causes the shutters 40 a, 40 b to move upwardly fromthe closed positions to the open positions. Contact between the fiberoptic connectors 24 a, 24 b and the ramps 46 maintains the shutters 40a, 40 b in the open positions while the fiber optic connectors 24 a, 24b remain fully inserted within their corresponding connector ports 28 a,28 b. When the fiber optic connectors 24 a, 24 b are withdrawn fromtheir corresponding connector ports 28 a, 28 b, the fiber opticconnectors 24 a, 24 b disengage from the ramps 46 and the springs 44 a,44 b move the shutters 40 a, 40 b downwardly from the open positionsback to the closed positions. In certain examples, the shutters 40 a, 40b can assist in containing index matching gel or other material withinthe fiber alignment structures 30, and also can prevent dust or othercontamination from entering the fiber alignment structures 30.

FIGS. 4-7 depict one of the fiber optic connectors 24 a, 24 b(referenced generally by reference numeral 24). The fiber opticconnector 24 includes an inner connector body 50 having a length thatextends along a connector axis 54 between a first end 56 (e.g., a frontend) and a second end 58 (e.g., a rear end). The fiber optic connector24 includes a plurality of optical fibers 60 that extend through thelength of the inner connector body 50. The optical fibers 60 includeforward end portions 62 that extend axially outwardly from the first end56 of the inner connector body 50. The fiber optic connector 24 alsoincludes a fiber shroud 64 that telescopically mounts at the first end56 of the inner connector body 50. The fiber shroud 64 is telescopicallymovable along the connector axis 54 relative to the inner connector body50 between an extended position (see FIG. 5) and a retracted position(see FIG. 6). When the fiber shroud 64 is in the extended position ofFIG. 5, the end portions 62 of the optical fibers 60 are recessed andprotected within the fiber shroud 64. It will be appreciated that thefiber shroud 64 can include at least one opening, and optionally aplurality of openings, for receiving the end portions 62 of the opticalfibers 60 when the fiber shroud 64 is moved to the retracted position.When the fiber shroud 64 is in the retracted position of FIG. 6, the endportions 62 of the optical fibers 60 protrude axially outwardly (e.g.,forwardly) beyond the fiber shroud 64 and pass through the opening oropenings defined by the fiber shroud 64.

Referring to FIGS. 5-9, the fiber optic connector 24 further includes apivotal lock 66 that pivots about a pivot axis 67 between a lockingposition in which the fiber shroud 64 is locked in the extended positionrelative to the connector body 50, and a release position in which thefiber shroud 64 can be moved from the extended position to the retractedposition relative to the inner connector body 50. In certain examples,the pivotal lock 66 is carried with the fiber shroud 64 as the fibershroud moves between the extended and retracted positions. In certainexamples, the pivotal lock 66 is pivotally connected to the fiber shroud64. In certain examples, the pivotal lock 66 includes an engagementportion 68 that engages a catch 70 defined by the inner connector body50 when the fiber shroud 64 is in the extended position and the pivotallock 66 is in the locking position. The inner connector body 50 alsoincludes an axial slot 84 adjacent to the catch 70. The catch 70 and theslot 84 are shown at FIG. 8.

As shown at FIGS. 5 and 9, the pivotal lock 66 includes a main body 72having a top side 74 and a bottom side 76. The engagement portion 68projects upwardly from the top side 74. A pivot element 78 and a triggermember 82 (e.g., a trigger post) project from the bottom side 76. Thepivot element 78 fits within a pivot receptacle 79 defined by the shroud64 and is centered within the receptacle 79 to allow the pivot element78 to pivot within the receptacle 79 about the pivot axis 67. The fiberoptic adapter 22 includes ramps 86 within the connector ports 28 a, 28 bfor causing the pivotal locks 66 to pivot from the locking positions tothe release positions when the fiber optic connectors 24 a, 24 b areinserted within their respective ports 28 a, 28 b. When the fiber opticconnectors 24 a, 24 b are inserted in the connector ports 28 a, 28 b,the trigger members 82 engage the ramps 86 causing the pivotal locks topivot relative to the shrouds 64 about the pivot axes 67 from thelocking positions to the release positions. When the pivotal locks 66pivot from the locking positions to the release positions, theengagement portions 68 disengage from the catches 70 of the inner bodies50. Once the engagement portions 68 disengage from the catches 70,continued inward insertion of the fiber optic connectors 24 a, 24 b intothe connector ports 28 a, 28 b causes the shrouds 64 to slide from theextended position to the retracted position via contact with theshutters 44 a, 44 b. As the shrouds 64 slide between the extended andretracted positions, the engagement portions 68 to slide within theaxial slots 84. During the connector insertion process, the shrouds 64can initially contact the shutter ramps 46 causing the shutters 44 tomove from the closed positions to the open positions. Once the shutters44 have opened and the connector insertion process continues, theshrouds 64 can engage main bodies of the shutters 44 causing the shrouds64 to move from the extended positions toward the retracted positions.It will be appreciated that movement of the pivotal locks 66 from thelocking positions to the release positions is coordinated with contactof the shrouds 64 with the main bodies of the shutters 44 such that thepivotal locks 66 unlock before the shrouds begin to retract.

During the connector insertion process, a sequence of events occurswhich includes opening of the shutter 44, movement of the pivotal lock66 from the locking position to the release position, retraction of theshroud 64, and extension of the end portions of the optical fibers 60through the shroud 64 and past the shutter 44 into the alignment groove34 of the fiber alignment device 30. During the connector withdrawalprocess, a sequence of events occurs which includes extension of theshroud 64, retraction of the optical fibers 60 into the shroud and theconcurrent withdrawal of the optical fibers 60 from the alignmentgrooves 34 of the fiber alignment device 30, closing of the shutter 44,and movement of the pivotal lock 66 from the release position to thelocking position once the shroud has been fully extended.

Referring to FIG. 8, the lower depicted fiber optic connector 24 is onlypartially inserted within its corresponding connector port 28 so thatthe trigger member 82 has not yet engaged the ramp 86 and the pivotallock 66 remains in the locking position. In contrast, the upper fiberoptic connector 24 depicted at FIG. 8 has been fully inserted within itscorresponding fiber optic connector port 28 such that contact betweenthe ramp surface 86 and the trigger member 82 has caused thecorresponding pivotal lock 66 to move to the release position therebydisengaging the engagement portion 68 from the catch 70 and allowing theengagement portion 68 to slide along the axial slot 84.

Referring to FIG. 5, the fiber optic connector 24 further includes aspring 88 (e.g., a coil spring) that mounts around the inner connectorbody 50 and functions to bias the fiber shroud 64 toward the extendedposition and also functions to bias the pivotal lock 66 toward thelocked position. Referring still to FIG. 5, the fiber optic connector 24includes a top, a bottom, a left side and a right side. The opticalfibers 60 are arranged in a row that extends along a reference plane 90(see FIG. 4) that extends through the left and right sides of the fiberoptic connector and is located between the top and bottom sides of thefiber optic connector 24. The pivotal lock 68 is located at the bottomside of the fiber optic connector 24.

The fiber optic connector 24 further includes an outer connector body 92mounted over the fiber shroud 64 and over the inner connector body 50.The outer connector body 92 includes structure for securing the fiberoptic connector 24 within one of the ports 28 of the fiber optic adapter22. In the depicted example, the structure includes a flexible latchingarm 94 (e.g., an LC latching arm) having latching portions adapted toengage the latch catches 38 of the fiber optic adapter 22 when the fiberoptic connector 24 is fully inserted within its corresponding connectorport 28. When the connector 24 is latched within a corresponding one ofthe adapter ports, the spring 88 biases the mechanical reference planescorresponding to the catches 38 and the engagement portions of thelatching arms 94 against one another to absorb any tolerances betweenthe fiber optic connector 24 and the fiber optic adapter 22. In certainexamples, the outer connector body 92 includes a top side, a left side,a right side and an open bottom side configured for exposing the pivotallock 66. In certain examples, the spring 88 is mounted over the innerconnector body 50 and is captured axially between the outer connectorbody 92 (e.g., an inner shoulder of the outer connector body 92) and thefiber shroud 64. In certain examples, a rear end of the spring 88engages the inner shoulder of the outer connector body 92 and a frontend of the spring 88 engages the fiber shroud 64 and the pivotal lock66.

Referring to FIG. 10, the optical fibers 60 extend through the length ofthe inner connector body 50. The optical fibers 60 includenon-ferrulized end portions 96 (e.g., bare fiber portions) that extendforwardly from the first end 56 of the inner connector body 50. Theoptical fibers 60 are preferably secured within the inner connector body50. For example, a bonding material such as epoxy or other adhesive canbe used to secure the optical fibers 60 within the inner connector body50. In certain examples, the inner connector body 50 functions as afiber holder and can include first and second pieces between which theoptical fibers 60 are secured. In certain examples, the inner connectorbody 50 can be used as a jig during assembly operations for facilitatinghandling the optical fibers. Other fiber optic connectors includingfiber holders are disclosed in U.S. Provisional Patent Application No.62/573,625, entitled Fiber Optic Connector with Modular Fiber Carriers,filed on Oct. 17, 2017, which is hereby incorporated by reference in itsentirety.

The inner connector body 50 is movable along the connector axis 54relative to the outer connector body 92. In one example, a spring 98 isused for biasing the inner connector body 50 in a forward directionrelative to the outer connector body 92. In certain examples, the spring98 can be a leaf spring. In other examples, the spring 98 can be a coilspring or other type of element having elastic characteristics. Incertain examples, the spring 98 is attached to or mounted to a rearconnector body 100 that attaches to the rear end of the outer connectorbody 92. In certain examples, the optical fibers can each be bonded tothe inner connector body 50 at multiple separate locations along thelength of the inner connector body 50. In certain examples, the innerconnector body 50 lacks structure for allowing the optical fibers 60 tobuckle within the inner connector body and the optical fibers areconfigured to not buckle within the inner connector body 50 when aconnection is made between two fiber optic connectors 24 a, 24 b.Instead, the ability of the inner connector body 50 to move axiallywithin the outer connector body 92 and the resilience provided by thespring 98 provides the necessary spring loading for maintainingend-to-end contact between the fiber end portions of the optical fibersthat are optically connected by the adapter 22. When an opticalconnection is made, contact between the abutting optical fibers with thealignment structure 30 forces the inner connector bodies 50 of the fiberoptic connectors 24 a, 24 b in rearward directions against the bias ofthe springs 98. The spring forces of the springs 98 urge the fiber endsof the connectors 24 a, 24 b toward one another insuring that contact ismaintained between the abutting end faces of the optical fibers beingaligned by the fiber alignment device 30.

In certain examples, the inner connector body 50 includes a first stop102 that engages a second stop 104 of the outer connector body 92 tolimit forward movement of the inner connector body 50 relative to theouter connector body 92. Example structures that can form stops includesurfaces, tabs, shoulders, flanges, walls or like structures. In thedepicted example, the second stop 104 is defined by an inner shoulderformed within the outer connector body 92, and the first stop 102 isdefined by a plurality of angled, resilient arms 106. The configurationof the resilient arms 106 allows the inner connector body 50 to beloaded axially into the outer connector body 92 through either theforward end or the rearward end of the outer connector body 92. Theresilient arms 106 are angled outwardly relative to the connector axis54 and have free outer ends that abut against the second stop 104.

Referring to FIG. 13, to assemble the fiber optic connector 24, theoptical fibers 60 are initially bonded between upper and lower pieces 50a, 50 b of the inner connector body 50 with the end portions 62projecting forwardly beyond the first end 56 of the connector body 50.At least one of the upper and lower pieces can optionally include axialgrooves for receiving the optical fibers. The fiber 60 can be bonded tothe inner connector body 50 at one or more bonding locations which mayinclude receptacles 51 defined in the inner connector body 50 forreceiving bonding material. Next, the spring 98 is mounted to the rearconnector body 100. The rear connector body 100 is then inserted overthe optical fibers 60. To facilitate inserting the rear connector body100 over the optical fibers 60, the rear connector body 100 can have awrap-around configuration with an open side for receiving the opticalfibers 60. The inner connector body 50 with the optical fibers 60secured thereto is then inserted into the outer connector body 92 andthe rear connector body 100 is snapped into the rear end of the outerconnector body 92. Thereafter, the shroud spring 88 is inserted into theouter connector body 92 over the inner connector body 50, and thepivotal lock 66 is loaded into the shroud 64 with the pivot element 78received within the pivot receptacle 79. The fiber shroud 64 can then beloaded into (e.g., snapped into) the outer connector body 92. Finally, aboot 93 can be mounted at the rear end of the connector and a dust cap(not shown) can be mounted over the front end of the fiber shroud 64. Inanother example, the pivotal lock 66, the fiber shroud 64, and theshroud spring 88 can be pre-assembled together and then loaded into theouter connector body 92 as a unit.

FIG. 14 shows an alternative fiber alignment structure 30 a havingsixteen V-grooves for aligning sixteen pairs of optical fibers. It willbe appreciated that a first set of sixteen optical fibers can beinserted into one end of the fiber alignment structure 30 a while asecond set of sixteen optical fibers can be inserted into the oppositeend of the fiber alignment structure 30 a. In the depicted example, theV-grooves can have a center-to-center spacing of about 200 microns.

FIGS. 15-17 illustrate another fiber optic connection system 120 inaccordance with the principles of the present disclosure. The fiberoptic connection system 120 includes a fiber optic adapter 122 having anadapter footprint or form factor that is backward compatible with amounting structure for receiving a standard duplex LC adapter and/or astandard simplex SC adapter. In certain examples, the adapter footprinthas a transverse cross-sectional area that is the same or smaller than astandard duplex SC adapter and/or a standard simplex SC adapter. Thefiber optic adapter 122 includes a fiber optic adapter body 126 definingtwo sets of co-axially aligned connector ports 128. The fiber opticconnection system 120 further includes fiber optic connectors 124adapted to be received within the fiber optic connector ports 128.Preferably, the fiber optic connectors 124 are ferrule-less fiber opticconnectors. Preferably, fiber optic connectors 124 are multi-fiber fiberoptic connectors. The fiber optic connection system 120 is similar tothe fiber optic connection system 20 previously described herein, exceptthe fiber optic connection system 120 has been modified to increase theoptical connection density of the fiber optic connection system 120. Incertain examples, the optical connection density is increased byutilizing multiple rows of optical fibers for each of the fiber opticconnectors 124, and by also using multiple rows of fiber aligningreceivers in the fiber optic adapter 122 for aligning the optical fibersof the fiber optic connectors 124. In certain examples, the fiber opticadapter 122 can include adapter structures configured to accommodate atleast twenty-four optical fibers for each of the connector ports 128. Inthis example, fiber alignment structure can include two parallel rows ofgrooves (e.g., V-grooves) for aligning the optical fibers of the fiberoptic connectors. Each of the parallel rows of grooves can includetwelve grooves. In other examples, the fiber optic adapter 122 caninclude alignment structures configured to accommodate at leastthirty-two optical fibers for each of the connector ports 128. In thisexample, the alignment structure can include two parallel rows ofgrooves with each row of grooves including sixteen grooves. Preferably,the grooves are V-grooves. In certain examples, the grooves cooperate todefine rigid sized bores for aligning the optical fibers.

While all of the examples disclosed herein have been depicted asincluding duplex fiber optic adapter bodies having footprints or formfactors that are the same as or at least compatible with standard duplexadapters, in other examples, the adapters can be configured with adapterfootprints comparable to conventional simplex LC adapters. Additionally,it will be appreciated that adapter bodies in accordance with theprinciples of the present disclosure can also have footprints comparableto or the same as standard simplex SC adapters and/or standard SC duplexadapters. In still other examples, aspects in accordance of the presentdisclosure can also be incorporated into fiber optic adapters havingunique footprints or form factors that are not necessarily backwardcompatible with existing conventional adapter form factors.

Referring to FIGS. 16, 17 and 20, the fiber optic adapter 122 includesfiber alignment structures 130 positioned between the co-axially alignedfiber optic connector ports 128. Each of the fiber alignment structures130 can include multiple rows of fiber receiving structures such asmultiple rows of fiber alignment grooves. As shown at FIG. 16, each ofthe fiber alignment structures 130 includes upper and lower horizontalrows of alignment grooves 131. In a preferred example, either twelve orsixteen alignment grooves 131 are provided for each row of alignmentgrooves 131. In certain examples, the alignment grooves 130 can containindex matching gel. In the depicted example, each of the fiber alignmentstructures 130 includes two groove defining pieces 132 each having acorresponding cover piece 136. In a preferred example, the variouspieces forming each fiber alignment structure 130 are stacked togetherand a spring 135 can be used to bias the stack of pieces or componentsfirmly together. In certain examples, spring 135 can include a wavespring formed by a curved piece of spring-like material such as metal.The spring 130 can be compressed between the stack of components formingthe fiber alignment structure 130 and a top cover 137 of the fiber opticadapter 122.

It will be appreciated that the fiber alignment structures 130 caninclude opposite ends 139, 141 that face in opposite directions and thatare adapted for receiving the optical fibers of the fiber opticconnectors 124 inserted in the coaxially aligned ports 128. The fiberoptic adapter 122 also includes shutters 140 corresponding to each ofthe fiber optic connector ports 128. The shutters 140 are positionedinside the fiber optic connector ports 128 and function to block theends 139, 141 of the fiber alignment structures 130 when fiber opticconnectors 124 are not inserted within the fiber optic connector ports128. Similar to the previously described shutters 40, the shutters 140are linearly movable relative to the adapter body 126 between open andclosed positions. The shutters 140 can include ramps 146 that areengaged by the fiber optic connectors 124 when the fiber opticconnectors 124 are inserted into the connector ports 128 to cause theshutters 140 to move from the closed positions to the open positions. Aspring structure such as a leaf spring arrangement 145 can be used toindividually bias the shutters 140 toward the closed positions. Theshutters 140 are separately and independently movable between the openand closed positions. In certain examples, shutters 140 can includefiber receiving structures 143 defined axially through the shutters.Examples of fiber receiving structures can include a slot, a pluralityof openings or other type of open structure through which optical fiberscan extend. The shutters 140 can also include bottom ends 133. It willbe appreciated that the fiber alignment structures 130 can each includeupper and lower rows of alignment grooves 147, 149. When the shutters140 move to the open positions, the fiber receiving structures 143 alignwith the upper rows of alignment grooves 147 so that an upper row ofoptical fibers provided by the fiber optic connectors 124 can passthrough the fiber receiving structures 143 and into the upper row ofalignment grooves 147. Additionally, when the shutters 140 are in theopen positions, the bottom ends 133 of the shutters 140 are positionedabove the lower rows of alignment grooves 149 such that lower rows ofoptical fibers carried by the fiber optic connectors 124 can pass underthe shutters 140 and into the lower row of fiber alignment grooves 149.When the shutters 140 are in the closed positions, the fiber receivingstructures 143 are positioned between the upper and lower rows of fiberalignment grooves 147, 149 and the bottom ends 145 of the shutters 140are positioned below the lower rows of fiber alignment grooves 149.Thus, when the shutters 140 are in the closed positions, the shutters140 include material that effectively blocks access to the upper andlower rows of fiber alignment grooves 147, 149.

In certain examples, the fiber optic adapter 122 further includesstructure for retaining the fiber optic connectors 124 in the connectorports 128. In the depicted example, the adapter body 126 includesintegral latches 151 for securing the fiber optic connectors 124 in thefiber optic connector ports 128. In certain examples, the latches 151can have a cantilevered configuration and can have a resilientconstruction. In certain examples, the latches 151 can include catches153 that engage shoulders 155 provided on the fiber optic connectors 124when the fiber optic connectors 124 are inserted within the fiber opticconnector ports 128. The fiber optic connectors 124 can include slidablerelease elements 157 that are slidable relative to main connector bodiesof the fiber optic connectors 124. To release one of the fiber opticconnectors 124 from its corresponding fiber optic connector port 128,the slidable release element 157 is pulled axially outwardly relative tothe main connector body of the fiber optic connector 24 causing thecorresponding latch 151 of the fiber optic adapter 122 to flex outwardlysuch that the catch 153 disengages from the shoulder 155 therebyallowing the fiber optic connector 124 to be pulled from itscorresponding connector port 128.

It will be appreciated that the fiber optic adapter 122 has a top-loadassembly configuration in which the various components are loaded intothe adapter body 126 from a top side of the adapter body. Referring toFIG. 20, the fiber optic adapter 120 is assembled by initially loadingthe shutters 140 into corresponding shutter receptacles defined by theadapter body 126. Next, the fiber alignment structures 130 are assembledin stacks and loaded into corresponding receptacles defined within theadapter body 126 between the shutter receptacles. In certain examples,index matching gel can be also loaded into the alignment grooves of thefiber alignment structures 130. Once the fiber alignment structures 130have been loaded into the adapter body 126, the spring 135 is loaded ontop of the fiber alignment structures 130 and the leaf springarrangement 144 is loaded in the top cover 137. Finally, the top cover137 is snapped into the top side of the adapter body 126 to retain thevarious components in the interior of the adapter body 126 and to placethe leaf spring arrangement on top of the shutters 140. The action ofsnapping the top cover into the top side of the adapter body 126 causescompression of the spring 135 and that application of spring load to theshutters 140 by the leaf spring arrangement 144.

FIGS. 21-27 show various views of one of the fiber optic connector 124.It will be appreciated that the fiber optic connector 124 and thepreviously described fiber optic connector 24 have similarconfigurations, except the fiber optic connector 124 has been modifiedto increase the fiber optic connection density. For example, the fiberoptic connector 124 is a ferrule-less, multi-fiber fiber optic connectorhaving multiple rows of optical fibers having non-ferrulized ends. Asdepicted at FIG. 25, the fiber optic connector 124 includes first andsecond rows of optical fibers 161, 163. In the depicted example, thefirst row of optical fibers 161 is an upper row and the second row ofoptical fibers 163 is a lower row. In one example, each of the rows ofoptical fibers 161, 163 can include twelve optical fibers. In thedepicted example, each of the rows of optical fibers 161, 163 includessixteen optical fibers such that the fiber optic connector 124 has atotal of thirty-two optical fibers. It will also be appreciated that ascompared to the fiber optic connector 24, the fiber optic connector 124had a modified retention structure for retaining the fiber opticconnector 124 in one of the fiber optic connector ports 128. Forexample, rather than having a flexible integrated latch, the fiber opticconnector 124 has a retention shoulder 155 (see FIG. 22) that engageswith at least one of the latches 151 of the fiber optic adapter 122 whenthe fiber optic connector 124 is inserted within one of the fiber opticconnector ports 128. The fiber optic connector 124 also includes thesliding release element 157 that is slid rearwardly relative to the mainouter body of the fiber optic connector 124 to release the latch 151from the shoulder 155.

Similar to the fiber optic connector 24, the fiber optic connector 124includes an inner body 150 supporting a plurality of optical fibers 165with non-ferrulized end portions of the optical fibers projectingforwardly from the inner connector body 150. The optical fibers 165 formthe first and second rows of optical fibers 161, 163. In the depictedexample, the inner connector body 150 is formed by two fiber holders 150a, 150 b that mount together to form the connector body 150. Each of thefiber holders 150 a, 150 b includes a first holder piece 171 and asecond holder piece 173 that are secured together with the correspondingoptical fibers 165 secured therein between. Preferably, a bondingmaterial (e.g., an adhesive such as epoxy or a glue) is used to securethe optical fibers between the holder pieces 171, 173 and can alsofacilitate holding the first and second holder pieces 171, 173 together.In certain examples, defined bonding locations such as cavities areprovided for receiving the bonding material. In certain examples, thebonding material can be injected between the first and second holderpieces 171, 173 after the holder pieces have been assembled with theoptical fibers 165 therein between.

Similar to the fiber optic connector 24, the fiber optic connector 124includes a retractable fiber shroud 164 that mounts over the front endof the inner connector body 150 and is axially (e.g., telescopically)movable relative to the inner connector body 150 between a firstposition where the non-ferrulized end portions of the optical fibers 165are protected within the fiber shroud 164 and a second position wherethe non-ferrulized portions of the optical fibers 165 protrude outwardlybeyond a front face of the fiber shroud 164. In certain examples, aremovable dust cap 175 can be mounted over the front end of the fiberoptic connector 124 so as to cover the front end face of the fibershroud 164. In the depicted example, the dust cap 175 includes asnap-fit connection interface that snaps onto the outer connector body192 of the fiber optic connector 124. Similar to the fiber opticconnector 24, a pivotal safety lock 166 is provided for locking thefiber shroud 164 in the first position. When the fiber optic connector24 is inserted within one of the fiber optic connector ports 128, thepivotal lock 166 moves to a release position such that the fiber shroud164 can move to the second position where the optical fibers 165 areexposed at the front end of the fiber optic connector 124.

Referring to FIG. 25, the inner connector body 150 includes a stopstructure 202 that engages a stop structure 204 within the interior ofthe outer connector body 192 to limit forward movement of the innerconnector body 150 relative to the outer connector body 192. It will beappreciated that the inner connector body 150 can move axially relativeto the outer connector body 192. A spring structure 198 is provided forbiasing the inner connector body 150 in a forward direction relative tothe outer connector body 192. When the fiber optic connector 124 isconnected to another fiber optic connector 124 via the fiber opticadapter 122, the opposing ends of the optical fibers of the fiber opticconnectors 124 desired to be coupled together abut one another and applyrear loading to the inner connector body 150 causing the inner connectorbody to move rearwardly relative to the outer connector body 192 againstthe bias of the spring structure 198. In this way, the spring structure198 assists in maintaining abutting contact between the end faces of thecoaxially aligned optical fibers of the interconnected fiber opticconnectors 124. As shown at FIG. 26, the spring structure 198 attachesto a rear connector body 200 that mounts at a rear end of the outerconnector body 192. The spring structure includes upper and lower springsections that abut against rear ends of the fiber holders 150 a, 150 b.

Referring to FIG. 25, a shroud spring 188 mounts over the innerconnector body 150 and functions to bias the fiber shroud 164 to itsfirst, forward position and also functions to bias the pivotal lock 166toward its locked position. A boot 302 mounts at the rear end of thefiber optic connector at the rear connector body 200.

It will be appreciated that connectors in accordance with the principlesof the present disclosure are typically mounted at the end of fiberoptic cables. A typical fiber optic cable may include an outer jacketcontaining at least one optical fiber, or a plurality of optical fibers.The fiber optic cable can also include reinforcing elements such astensile reinforcing elements in the form of string-like reinforcingelements such as Aramid yarn. In certain examples, connectors inaccordance with the principles of the present disclosure can havestructure for securing the reinforcing elements to the rear end of thefiber optic connector. In certain examples, the tensile reinforcingelements and/or the cable jacket can be coupled to the rear end of theouter connector body 192 or the rear connector body 200 by means such asadhesive, crimping, fasteners or other means.

To assemble the fiber optic connector 124, the spring structures 198 aresecured to the rear connector body 200 and the optical fibers (e.g.,which may be in ribbon form) are laterally inserted into the interior ofthe rear connector body 200. The optical fibers 165 are then loaded andbonded within the fiber holders 150 a, 150 b, and the fiber holders 150a, 150 b are coupled together. The sliding release element 157 is theninstalled on the exterior of the outer connector body 192 (e.g., via asnap-fit connection). The outer connector body 192 is then installedover the pre-assembled connector body 150 and the rear connector body200 is secured (e.g., snapped in place) at the rear end of the outerconnector body 192. The shroud spring 188 is then loaded into the outerconnector body 192 and the pivotal lock 166 is installed on the fibershroud 164. The fiber shroud 164 is then loaded into the front end ofthe outer connector body and over the front end of the inner connectorbody 150. The dust cap 175 is then mounted over the front end of thefiber optic connector, and the boot 302 can be installed at the rear endof the fiber optic connector. If the fiber optic cable to which thefiber optic connector 124 is terminated includes reinforcing elementssuch as Aramid yarn, the reinforcing elements can be secured to the rearend of the fiber optic connector prior to installing the boot.

The various examples described above are provided by way of illustrationonly and should not be construed to limit the scope of the presentdisclosure. Those skilled in the art will readily recognize variousmodifications and changes that may be made with respect to the examplesand applications illustrated and described herein without departing fromthe true spirit and scope of the present disclosure. Aspects of thepresent disclosure are applicable to single fiber connectors, dual fiberconnectors, and to fiber optic connectors having 4, 8, 12, 16, 24, 32 ormore optical fibers. For higher count fiber optical connectors, morethan two rows of optical fibers may be provided.

1.-35. (canceled)
 36. A fiber optic connector comprising: an innerconnector body having a length that extends along a connector axisbetween a front end and a rear end of the inner connector body; at leastone optical fiber that extends through the length of the inner connectorbody, the at least one optical fiber having a non-ferrulized end portionthat extends forwardly from the front end of the inner connector body,the at least one optical fiber being secured within the inner connectorbody; an outer connector body mounted over the inner connector body, theouter connector body including structure for securing the fiber opticconnector within a port of a fiber optic adapter; and the innerconnector body being moveable along the connector axis relative to theouter connector body.
 37. The fiber optic connector of claim 36, furthercomprising a spring for biasing the inner connector body in a forwarddirection relative to the outer connector body.
 38. The fiber opticconnector of claim 36, wherein the inner connector body includes a firststop that engages a second stop of the outer connector body to limitforward movement of the inner connector body relative to the outerconnector body.
 39. The fiber optic connector of claim 38, wherein thefirst stop is define by resilient arms.
 40. The fiber optic connector ofclaim 36, wherein the at least one optical fiber includes a plurality ofoptical fibers having end portions that extend axially outwardly fromthe first end of the connector body.
 41. The fiber optic connector ofclaim 40, wherein the optical fibers are arranged in at least one row.42. The fiber optic connector of claim 36, wherein the at least oneoptical fiber is bonded within the inner connector body.
 43. The fiberoptic connector of claim 42, wherein the inner connector body lacksstructure for allowing the optical fiber to buckle within the innerconnector body.
 44. The fiber optic connector of claim 36, furthercomprising a rear piece that attaches to a rear end of the outerconnector body, wherein the spring mounts to the rear piece.
 45. Thefiber optic connector of claim 36, further comprising a fiber shroudthat telescopically mounts at the front end of the inner connector body,the fiber shroud being telescopically movable along the connector axisrelative to the inner connector body between an extended position inwhich the end portion of the at least one optical fiber is recessed andprotected within the fiber shroud and a retracted position in which theend portion of the at least one optical fiber protrudes axiallyoutwardly beyond the fiber shroud.
 46. The fiber optic connector ofclaim 45, further comprising a pivotal lock that pivots about a pivotaxis between a locking position in which the fiber shroud is locked inthe extended position relative to the inner connector body and a releaseposition in which the fiber shroud can be moved from the extendedposition to the retracted position relative to the inner connector body.47. The fiber optic connector of claim 46, further comprising a springmounted over the inner connector body for biasing the fiber shroudtoward the extended position and also for biasing the pivotal locktoward the locked position.
 48. The fiber optic connector of claim 36,wherein the optical fibers have a center-to-center spacing less than 260microns.
 49. The fiber optic connector of claim 36, wherein the opticalfibers have a center-to-center spacing of about 250 microns.
 50. Thefiber optic connector of claim 36, wherein the optical fibers have acenter-to-center spacing less than 210 microns.
 51. The fiber opticconnector of claim 36, wherein the optical fibers have acenter-to-center spacing of about 200 microns.
 52. The fiber opticconnector of claim 36, further comprising a removable dust cap thatmounts over the fiber shroud.